Faith, traditional food, secret to longevity: 103-year-old granny speaks

Mthokozisi Ncube, Sunday News Reporter

AT an age when many people have long become dependent on others for even the simplest of daily tasks, 103-year-old Gogo Sinini Ngwenya of Lupane still walks on her own, retains most of her teeth and continues to inspire younger generations with her remarkable story of resilience, faith and healthy living.

Born in 1923 in Ndimimbili, a rural area in Lupane District, Gogo MaNgwenya has witnessed more than a century of Zimbabwean history, living through colonial rule, fight for independence and the modern era.

She has seen three generations grow before her eyes and raised six children, although only one daughter remains alive today.

Despite her advanced age, Gogo MaNgwenya’s story is remarkable. She says she has never spent time in a hospital for any serious illness throughout her life.

Seated outside her homestead, the soft-spoken centenarian attributes her longevity to a life centred on prayer, hard work and traditional foods.

“I have spent my whole life praising and worshipping God. God has carried me through every season of my life and He is the reason I am still here today,” she said.

Asked about the secret behind her continued good health, Gogo MaNgwenya smiled before speaking about her simple diet.

“I do not eat fancy foods. I eat okra and traditional foods. I also use herbs that we have always used in our culture. That is what I have eaten for most of my life,” she said.

“People today like processed foods too much. We grew up eating food from the fields and gardens. We ate what nature provided for us.”

Gogo MaNgwenya said traditional foods played an important role in keeping people healthy and strong.

“In our time we ate traditional vegetables, grains and foods that came from the soil. We did not depend on things that came in packets. Even now, I still enjoy okra and other traditional foods,” she said.

Her daughter, Ms Maidah Ndlovu (75), who now takes care of her, said the family remains amazed by her mother’s strength and independence.

“She can still walk around on her own and she still has most of her teeth. Many people are surprised when they see her because they cannot believe she is 103 years old,” said Ms Ndlovu.

She said her mother had always lived a disciplined life and remained committed to prayer and family values.

“Her faith has always been very strong. She prays every day and encourages all of us to trust in God. She has always taught us to respect others and live peacefully with people,” she said.

The family says Gogo MaNgwenya enjoys spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, often sharing stories about life in earlier generations.

Having lived through enormous social and technological changes, Gogo MaNgwenya believes young people today can learn important lessons from older generations.

Her message to the youth is simple but powerful.

“Young people should slow down. They are rushing too much in life. Everything has its own time. If you rush things, you can make mistakes that will affect your future,” she said.

“Be patient and work hard. Good things come to those who are willing to wait and put in honest effort.”

She also urged young people to maintain strong moral values and avoid practices that harm others.

“People should stay away from witchcraft and evil deeds. Such things do not bring blessings. They only bring problems and can shorten a person’s life,” she said.

Instead, she encouraged young people to focus on faith, respect and helping one another.

“Respect your parents, respect your elders and respect God. If you live a good life and treat people well, you will have peace in your heart.”

While the family celebrates Gogo MaNgwenya’s extraordinary longevity, life is not without challenges.

One of the biggest difficulties facing the centenarian is access to clean water.

Although she has reached the remarkable age of 103, obtaining safe drinking water remains a daily struggle for her household.

The family says the nearest water source is a considerable distance away, making it difficult to fetch enough water for drinking, cooking and other household needs.

“We are grateful that she is still with us and in good health, but access to clean water remains a challenge. The water source is far from where we live and we would appreciate assistance,” said Ms Ndlovu.

Community members who know the centenarian describe her as a symbol of resilience and a living reminder of the values that helped shape previous generations.

Her story comes at a time when many people are increasingly turning their attention to healthy lifestyles, traditional foods and natural wellness practices. For her, however, the formula for a long life remains straightforward.

“Trust in God, eat well, work hard and live peacefully with others,” she said.

More than a century after her birth in rural Lupane, the grandmother continues to stand as a testament to endurance, faith and the wisdom that comes with age.

As she watches younger generations navigate a rapidly changing world, her hope is that they do not forget the values that sustained those who came before them: patience, humility, respect and a deep appreciation for both faith and culture.